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Software for Pallet Users, Integrated with the Pallet Design System™

The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) has developed software that enhances the communication of pallet and unit load design information between wood pallet manufacturers and their customers. This software, called LoadSync™ is integrated with The Pallet Design System™ (PDS).

LoadSync™ enables pallet users to easily yet completely define their entire pallet and unit load handling requirements, save these requirements to a data file and email the file to their pallet manufacturer. The pallet manufacturer opens the requirements file in PDS and can then design an efficient and cost-effective pallet that meets all the specified requirements and will safely support and protect the customer’s product.
PDS can then create a “viewer” file that contains all the information provided on a PDS printout. This viewer file can be emailed to the customer, who can open the file in LoadSync and view the complete pallet specification, 2D and 3D drawings of the pallet and unit load, and the structural and durability analysis results (including safe load capacity, deflection under load and expected service life).

Best of all, LoadSync™ is available at no cost. Pallet manufacturers that license PDS can contact their customers with information on LoadSync™ and provide a link to its download.

“LoadSync is both revolutionary and innovative. Our customers will be able to accurately communicate their specific unit load and material handling environments to us, their pallet manufacturers. Then we, as PDS licensees, can quickly upload this data into PDS and within minutes design a pallet that is best suited for their customer or potential customer.” - Clint Binley, Pallets Incorporated

How it Works

LoadSync™ enables pallet users to define their entire pallet and unit load handling requirements via its automated input process and graphical display of packaging and containers, support conditions and handling equipment. Either a general load type (used to generally represent many different unitized loads) or a specific unit load (including container type and size, stacking pattern and load stabilizers) can be specified. Storage and support conditions (such as racks or floor-stacking multiple unit loads) and handling equipment (including forklifts, pallet jacks or slings) can be indicated.

Service environment conditions can also be specified. Additional notes or information the pallet user wants to provide can be entered as text.

LoadSync™ saves these requirements to a data file that is readable only in LoadSync™ or PDS. The pallet user emails this file to their pallet manufacturer, who opens the requirements file in PDS. A summary of all unit load handling requirements is displayed, and PDS leads the pallet manufacturer through the process of designing an efficient and cost-effective pallet that meets all the specified requirements and will safely support and protect the customer’s product.

Pallet manufacturers can then communicate the results of the PDS design and analysis just as they do now: visit the pallet user with a hardcopy of the PDS printout and/or with PDS on a laptop to discuss it, or they can create a PDF File of the PDS Pallet Specification, Drawings, and Analysis Results and email that to the pallet user.

LoadSync™, however, provides another option. PDS can create a viewer file that includes all of the information provided on a PDS printout. This file can be returned via email to the pallet user that originally emailed the requirements file. The pallet user can open this file in LoadSync™ and will see the full PDS printout view but with three important differences:

(1)The pallet user must click on an “I Agree” button indicating an acceptance and understanding of the copyright and intellectual property protections for the PDS design;

(2) The pallet manufacturer can control whether the viewer file can be printed;

(3) The pallet user can visualize the pallet and unit load in the Interactive 3D View (which isn’t possible with just a printout or PDF File). The company name of the LoadSync™ user will be embedded within all requirements files. The company name and PDS license number will be embedded within all viewer files created in PDS, which will be displayed identically to the “Property of:” watermark on PDS printouts.

After designing a pallet that meets all the requirements, the PDS user can export a LoadSync™ viewer file and email it to the customer. This viewer file can include any or all parts of the PDS printout. To reduce potential misuse, the PDS user can either enable or disable printing of the file.

What Industry is Saying About Loadsync™

This integrated approach to pallet and unit load design using LoadSync™ and PDS enables all the professionals involved in the unit load design and unit load handling processes to easily work together in designing the most efficient unit load and unit load handling system. Packaging engineers, warehouse managers, handling and storage equipment manufacturers, and wood pallet manufacturers can all provide their expertise in a collaborative design process.

“LoadSync will redefine our relationships with our customers. As busy as everyone is nowadays, our customers can outline their design requirements at a time convenient to them, not the clock or a defined appointment. Those details can be accurately relayed to their qualified PDS license holder, we can complete the the design process and present an accurate solution for their application." - John Swenby, Paltech Enterprises, Inc

“LoadSync is a great tool for keeping up with our customers’ constantly changing material handling requirements. One more reason why PDS is the BEST marketing and design tool available for the wooden pallet industry! " - Bob Wenner, Pallet Service Corporation